251 / 476
241
During initial climbout, the turn onto crosswind shouldbemade appropriate
to theperformance of the aircraft, but in any case not less than500 ft above
terrain so as to be at circuit heightwhen turningontodownwind.
Pilotsmay vary the sizeof the circuit depending on:
• the performance of the aircraft;
• safety reasons; or
• in accordancewith theAFM/Pilot OperatingHandbook (POH)
requirements or company SOPs.
Departing the circuit area.
When departing from the aerodrome circuit area,
aircraft should depart by extending one of the standard circuit legs. However,
an aircraft should not execute a turn opposite to the circuit directionunless
the aircraft iswell outside the circuit area andno traffic conflict exists. This
will normally be at least 3 nm from the departure end of the runway. The
distancemay be less for aircraftwithhigh climbperformance. Thedistance
should bebased on pilots being aware of traffic and the ability of the aircraft
to climb above and clear of the circuit area.
Note: Pilots of departing aircraft shouldbe aware of traffic intending to join
the circuit by the recommended overfly procedure as they can be
2000 ft or higher above aerodrome elevation.
Final approach.
The turn onto final approach shouldbe completed by
a distance and height that is common to theoperations at the particular
aerodrome and commensuratewith the speedflown in the circuit for the
aircraft type. In any case, the turn onto final shouldbe completed by not less
than 500 ft above aerodrome elevation. This should allow sufficient time
for pilots to ensure the runway is clear for landing. Itwill also allow for the
majority of aircraft to be stabilised for the approach and landing.
circuit procedures
3 – non - TOWERED aerodromes
Typeof aircraft
Standard circuit
speed range
Standard circuit height
Highperformance
(includes jets andmany
turboprops)
Above approximately
150 kt
1500 ft above aerodrome el vation
Medium performance
(includesmost piston
engine aircraft)
Between
approximately 55
and 150 kt
1000 ft abov aerodrome el vation
Lowperformance
Approximately 55 kt
maximum
500 ft above aerodrome elevation
Table 1: Standard circuit h ights d pend on aircraft performance